- The list below includes 60 free or cheap things to do in or near Council Bluffs, Iowa, including 43 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, History Museums, Children's Play Area and Go Karts.
- From River's Edge Park to Lake Manawa Beach, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Council Bluffs and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue and Missouri Valley.
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0.0 Miles
Museum in historic Carnegie Library celebrates the history of the Union Pacific Railroad including artifacts that belonged to Abe Lincoln
11.3 Miles
Situated along the Missouri River, River's Edge Park preserves over 80 acres of parkland. The park provides a pedestrian bridge that crosses the river, paved walkways and open areas while also holding concerts and sporting events.
3.3 Miles
Lake Manawa Beach is the place to go in Council Bluffs, Iowa for outdoor recreation. The area includes places to host a picnic, as well as to grill, swim and play a game of volleyball.
10.8 Miles
A wealth of unusual native plants and animals are found at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Center never closes and is a popular destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country ski enthusiasts and tobogganers.
2.9 Miles
89%
80 votes
Rainbow Point, north on Eighth Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
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Explorers Lewis & Clark passed through Iowa on their western journey, and a portion of that route is preserved at the Lewis & Clark Monument & Scenic Overlook in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It is a phenomenal venue for panoramic nature photography and a must-see attraction for American history buffs.
0.6 Miles
5
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
SPECIAL GROUPON DEAL: 50% Off Membership to Union Pacific Railroad Museum
200 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa is a popular destination for rail fans. Its extensive collection of railroad memorabilia includes photographs, antique tickets and rail schedules, railway uniforms, maps and other media. It is an excellent destination for anyone interested in the history…
0.8 Miles
89%
55 votes
605 South 3rd Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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Built during the Civil War, the Historic General Dodge House is now a museum and historical site dedicated to General Grenvill Dodge, an American military hero and railroad construction pioneer. Guided tours are available and depart from the gift shop.
0.6 Miles
77%
91 votes
226 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, IA
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Open February through December, the Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail & Museum is a historic former jail in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The nickname 'Squirrel Cage' is a reference to the jail's unusual design, which resembles a segmented rodent cage with a wheel on top.
2.3 Miles
A 17-screen movie theater, AMC Council Bluffs 17 displays first-run feature films using digital projection. The theater offers an IMAX auditorium, reclining chairs, a bar with adult beverages, stadium seating, reserved seats and a snack bar.
2.8 Miles
Kids Quest is a children's play area and supervised day-care facility located on the grounds of the AmeriStar Hotel & Casino. Trained workers lead children through karaoke, video games, and craft projects while their parents partake of the casino games.
3.1 Miles
66%
35 votes
3434 Richard Downing Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
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Iowa's Western Historic Trails Center is an organization dedicated to preserving information about American westward expansion in the State of Iowa. The Center maintains many of the original trails forged by explorers and covered wagon caravans.